As we welcome the warmer weather, we start venturing into the numerous outdoor activities available. With one of these activities being the refreshing swimming pool right in your back yard, if you are so lucky to have one. However, Winston Churchill said it best, “the price of greatness is responsibility.” Regrettably, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports show an average of 4,900 people received emergency care for injuries suffered in swimming pools or spas each year in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Being a responsible swimming pool owner, it is in everyone’s best interest to practice safety first and then the fun will follow. Here are just a few tips to keep you and others safe!

• Maintain a lockable and secure fence(minimum of 4 feet) or screen enclosure surrounding the entire swimming pool. You can also install self-latching and self-closing gates in property locations around the pool.
• Remove pool covers completely before swimming and remember to properly secure them once the pool is no longer in use.
• Avoid leaving pool toys in the swimming pool when they are no longer being used. The toys can attract children to the water.
• Install an audible alarm to your swimming pool, gate or door that will alert you if someone enters the area or pool while it is unattended.
• Never leave children unattended while swimming or near a swimming pool.
• Secure all pool chemicals away from the swimming pool area. Also, be sure to follow the instructions recommended by the manufacturer.
• Learn CRP! Also, encourage your family members, friends, and even your babysitter to learn CPR. 

These are just a few tips that we hope will make your summer pool days safe and enjoyable!